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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Anyone Heading to the American Sewing Expo?

Hello friends! I'm packing my bags to head to ASE in the morning, where I'll be competing in Passion for Fashion. (Wish me luck!) Starting Friday morning, I'll be deep in the Project Runway-style competition (though hopefully not behaving in the Project Runway style--you know, throwing hissy fits and breaking down from sleep deprivation and an inflated ego). But tomorrow night I'll have a bit of free time, and it got me thinking . . . anyone up for dinner or a glass of something festive? E-mail me if you are!

Packing for this thing is nerve-wracking. Unlike a certain reality TV show, you're allowed to bring your own fusibles, zippers, etc . . . and one pattern drafting book. Oh the pressure to decide which one! I decided on Design Your Own Dress Patterns by Adele P. Margolis since my copy has prestigious roots, which must make it lucky, right?

We contestants will get our secret challenge Friday morning, shop for fabric at the show, and then sew all day Friday and Saturday, on the expo floor where attendees can watch (!). The garments will be presented and judged at a fashion show Saturday night. Oh the excitement! And the anxiety, too. Will I choke under the pressure? Burn a hole in my garment? I suppose we shall see. I will report back as soon as possible!

The blog will likely stay pretty quiet until I'm back next week. I have some fun coat and bombshell dress posts planned. Until then--hope to see you in Novi!

How exciting! I've long maintained I couldn't do a PR-style challenge because I don't really like to drape, and nobody really does flat pattern designing on PR,(which I noticed quickly) but luckily you know how long certain details take and have a strong esthetic. Too bad you might not have enough time to handsew horsehair braid to the hem of a circle skirt..I'm sure you'll astound and delight with your trademarked style and pluck however.

Wow, that sounds even more exciting hearing about more details of the competition! Be sure and tell us what designing and sewing under pressure like that is like- I cannot imagine how stressful PR must be. I get the impression that the time goes by so fast! Good luck and have fun!

Hi , my post will be off-topic, sorry..I would like to thank you so much for this gem-of-a-blog!!.. I loved everything: the sewing, the styles, the awsome tutorials, the positive body image, in short: the works!!.. thanks again, and good luck!..

That sounds like fun! Maybe at the last second, Tim Gunn will show up and let you all know that you'll need a second look made from food vendor items, you can't use napkins, and you have to do it as a team...

Hi Gertie!!!! Good Luck! Although I know that you will not need it!! I Wish I were there! When are you coming to San Francisco? AND when can we expect your book? I am almost finished with your tutorial for the "bombshell dress"- the lesson is simply-"AWESOME"!Thanks for all your inspiration!

Oh, Gertie! I love your blog and it would be such a kick to meet you and see you sew and create. Having a cocktail, well, don't cocktails always make things better? But since I am in NC, it looks like that won't be happening. Good luck and have fun!!

I was at the fashion show!!! I kept saying to my husband "I know her! I think I follow her blog!" So I couldn't wait to get home to see if it was you, and it was! LOLOL Anyway, you did a fantastic job. I loooved your dress!